STUDY OF CONCRETE WITH ADDITION OF EPS: INFLUENCE ON AXIAL COMPRESSION AND TEMPERATURE

Abstract

Recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) in beads has gained prominence in the construction industry due to its low-cost, widely available, and predominantly air-based composition. This study aims to study the addition of recycled EPS in beads to Portland cement concrete, aiming to obtain sustainable cementitious composites with improved mechanical and thermal properties. Considering the high energy consumption in hot Brazilian regions—especially due to the use of air conditioning systems—EPS presents a potential input for improving the thermal efficiency of built environments. Furthermore, based on related theoretical references, the addition of EPS is justified to contribute to thermal insulation and the mechanical performance of the mix. The effects of this incorporation on axial compression and temperature are discussed. The results justify the addition of recycled EPS in beads and recycled EPS in concrete as reducers of mechanical properties. However, both enhance thermal properties.